It was reported in the J-W, under a photo, that the project to put the statue on top of the state Capitol is costing $614,000. I believe that is incorrect. The figure I've seen is $750,000. Could you please respond to this? I believe this would be of interest to all Kansans.

An amendment to the final version of the budget for fiscal year 2002 allotted $750,000 for the project, which will reinforce the dome to support a 2-ton statue of a Kansa American Indian called "Ad Astra." However, the bid for the work came in under budget, Statehouse architect Barry Greis said. Contractor J.E. Dunn Construction Co., Topeka, is completing the project for $614,000. The statue is expected to be hoisted into place the weekend of Oct. 4.